Eel with pectoral fins, Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand

[kaerius]

I don't know any moray eels with pectoral fins, anyone who can shed a light on what this is?

Night dive from Kata Beach(around 9pm local time). I estimate that the eel is between 100-120cm long (3'3" to 4'). Depth is about 10 meters (33 feet).

 

[drbill]

Possibly a snake eel... some have pectoral fins, some don't

 

[kaerius]

Possibly a snake eel... some have pectoral fins, some don't

Thank you! I seem to have narrowed it down to Highfin Snake Eel (Ophichthus altipennis).

It also explains some heads in the sand I saw there...
https://i.imgur.com/IsoV86h.jpg

 

[Ricardo V.]

I had a similar encounter in Bonaire during a night dive this year. It ended up being a Conger Eel, which is a rare find in those waters. It was about 6’ in length and swam very fast, not in the open, but within the reef.

 

[Steve_C]

Saw a couple congers off NC last year. Was not night but was at 60 ft with low viz above so not very bright. Were hanging out in a wreck.